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Along the Water's Edge
Nickajack Cave
For Scheduled Tours:
423-821-1160 ext. 102
It's been nearly 40 years since visitors have been allowed to crawl around inside, but many still flock to the Nickajack Cave, part of Marion county's Nickajack Reservoir. When the Tennessee Valley Authority built Nickajack Dam in 1967, the cave was flooded. Because it houses a large colony of federally endagered female gray bats, the cave is now a National Wildlife Refuge, co-managed by TVA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The cave is the only state refuge specifically set aside for a nongame species.
Many visitors enjoy coming to the cave between April and October to watch the thousands of bats emerge at dusk to feed on insects. Some nights Mr. Mike Bailey, wildlife officer, gives educational talks to the visitors about why bats should be protected. Bats can be viewed from a small observation platform near the entrance of the cave or by boat from the Tennesse River.
Cost: There is no fee.
Hours: Viewing platform is open April 1 - October 15
Directions: From Chattanooga, take Interstate 24 west to Exit 161 and turn left onto Route 16. Travel five miles and turn left into Maple View Recreation Area. Follow trail from parking area to the cave entrance.
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